Live Update: How Anthony Joshua defends tittle against C Takam

[28/10 11:03 pm] Lashley Oladigbolu: Round 5

Another nervy star. Just as the action picks up, the referee calls time and calls for the ringside doctor to inspect the cut over his right eye. The doctor is satisfied and the fight continues. Takam rushes in and Joshua lands a right uppercut that doesn’t appear to faze the challenger, incredibly. Better combination punching from Joshua here. An AJ combo finds nothing but leather upstairs but he follows with a hook to the body that stops Takam in his tracks, then a right to the head when Takam drops his guard. Two more big shots to the body and those shots will most certainly take their toll. Takam makes it out of the round but his face is a bloody mess and he’s lost the spring in his step. Not much longer now, we feel safe in predicting.

Unofficial score: Joshua 10-9 Takam (Joshua 50-44 Takam)
[28/10 11:07 pm] Lashley Oladigbolu: Round 6

Joshua continuing to close in on Takam. He throws a combination but Takam claps back with a left upstairs. Now he bursts forward and misses with a combination. Last stand, feels like. Joshua looking collected as ever, jabbing, jabbing, jabbing away with the left and looking for an opening. Takam rushes in and clubs a right to Joshua’s body but it doesn’t seem to affect the champion one bit. Another left downstairs from Takam right on the beltline, but Joshua fires back and lands a right upstairs. Takam now in a variation of the Philly shell or crab defense with the right hand guarding his face and the left to his body. Joshua landing away with the hook almost at will, but none of the more than 74,500 on hand can question Takam’s toughness.

Unofficial score: Joshua 10-9 Takam (Joshua 60-53 Takam)

Is Buhari Really Swindling The South? By Dele Sobowale

    

To begin with, any loans sourced from the World Bank or any other source will ultimately be repaid, with interest, from revenues generated mainly from sale of crude oil, corporate taxes and the Value Added Tax, VAT. Even the village idiot knows where the crude oil is produced – the Niger Delta. The fool knows that the bulk of corporate taxes are collected in Lagos. And, the moron is aware that Lagos provides close to sixty per cent of the VAT.

 

 

 

 

“YOU know, in my very first meeting with President Buhari, he said he would like us to shift our focus to the northern region of Nigeria and we have done that. Now, it has been very difficult. The work there has been very difficult.” Jim Yong Kim, World Bank President.

If any more evidence is needed that President Buhari has deliberately embarked on running Nigeria’s democracy him as “Government of the Northern Region, by the Northern Region and for the Northern Region”, the World Bank, WB, President has removed all doubt. The very use of the term “northern region” makes it very clear that the man millions of us in the Southern Region trusted, campaigned for and supported is after all a northern bigot. As one of those who trusted him sufficiently to follow him in 2011 and 2015, it is difficult to express the depth of disappointment felt when reading that statement which reflects as much corruption as anything Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke,  has been accused of perpetrating. The man who announced in May 2015 that he was for everybody and for nobody has demonstrated in many ways that he was being deceptive. Henceforth nothing he says can be believed.

To begin with, any loans sourced from the World Bank or any other source will ultimately be repaid, with interest, from revenues generated mainly from sale of crude oil, corporate taxes and the Value Added Tax, VAT. Even the village idiot knows where the crude oil is produced – the Niger Delta. The fool knows that the bulk of corporate taxes are collected in Lagos. And, the moron is aware that Lagos provides close to sixty per cent of the VAT. Obviously, what “our dear” President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has in mind is a situation in which the “Southern Cows” will be milked, for the “Northern Cattle” to drink. And, he actually believes that that is a fair way to be the Father of the Nation. At least now we have a clear picture of how his mind works.

We now know that the lopsided appointments in favour of the Northern Region, which started from his first day in office, were premeditated acts of discrimination against the Southern Region. We also now realize that other inequitable recruitments favouring the Northern Region by the Department of State Services, DSS, diplomatic service, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, were premeditated and designed to favour his people more than others. Cheating Southerners, which is a worse form of corruption than an appointed official stealing public funds, was planned even as the campaign for change was going on. While the officials of the former government who had been dragged through media trial by a compromised Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, might have been guilty of heinous crimes, it is a fact that whatever they did was not government policy. We have had no evidence yet that Jonathan was aware of them.

By contrast, the powers of the Presidency had been harnessed to perpetuate injustice to ALL Southerners as the World Bank revelation has proved beyond reasonable doubt. It is the President of Nigeria who is masterminding the policy of robbing Southerners to deliberately favour Northerners. It was a grave mistake and the consequences for all Nigerians will be grievous.

To begin with any Southerner, Professor Sagay included, who still clings to the false notion that we have a man with integrity as President must either not know what integrity means or needs to consult a doctor. A man with integrity when placed in a position of power must wield that power like a honest justice of any court. He must conduct the affairs of his office with absolute fairness to all concerned without fair or favour. How on earth can anybody now claim that Buhari satisfies that criterion of fairness after all the revelations?

“There is no equality in the world of [corrupt] power. The masters calculate, at usurious rate, the price of their own blood.” Albert Camus, 1903-1960. French philosopher; Nobel Prize Winner.

We should also bear in mind the other disclosures – especially the budgetary allocations to the State House Clinic which provides services to only a few thousand people, mostly Northerners well-connected to the Presidency. The front page of VANGUARD on October 13, 2017, reported that for the three years Buhari had been President, the State House Clinic was allocated more funds than all the sixteen University Teaching Hospitals in Nigeria providing services to millions of “Fellow Nigerians”. What sort of “Father of the Nation” would be responsible for that sort of injustice and be still be regarded as someone with any trace of integrity? As Rotarians would ask, “Is it fair to all concerned?” Merely looking at the disparity in naira per person served is sufficient to point to the selfishness underlying the allocations. And, now we are being treated to the possibility of a scandal involving the Clinic right in the seat of power from where for months we have been inundated with self-righteous pronouncements. Is it fair to 180-plus other Nigerians?

We also recollect that in 2014 and up to Election Day in 2015, when the proclamation of CHANGE was made from every roof top by the Presidential candidate, that the impression was given that such disparities  would not occur again once Jonathan was sent packing. Even overseas treatment for government officials was denounced. Today as unannounced millions of dollars are sent to Britain by the hypocrites who conned us into voting for undefined change, we wonder where is honour – without which there can be no talk of integrity?

The first and most fundamental consequence of the World Bank disclosure is that it has now forced each of us to decide if henceforth we can believe anything Buhari says. For me, it has now become almost impossible. Too many dirty waters have passed under the bridge for that. The only thing the Buhari in Aso Rock and Buhari the 2015 candidate have in common is name. While the candidate represented hope; the President signifies disappointment and the feeling that Nigeria will again go through four wasted years until 2019.

For every finger he points at others called corrupt, there are at least two or more pointing back in his direction. The reputation for integrity has been severely eroded, not by his political enemies, but by Buhari himself. His October 1, 2017 address to the nation is symptomatic of the transformation that has occurred to the man for whom I would have been willing to stake my life in 2011 and 2015. Now, I won’t bet a kobo because I might probably lose it. Buhari announced that his government had provided N500 billion in two years for Social Intervention Programme, SIP and the power production has reached 7000MW per day. In reality, less than N100 billion out of N1 trillion was provided by his government. And, the power supply to consumers, which is what counts, had never reached 5000MW. At the end of that address, as I turned off the television, tears were coming out of my eyes because it became very clear that I.F. Stone was right after all when he said, “Every government is run by liars and nothing they say should be believed.”  In 2011 and 2015, it never occurred to me that Buhari’s government would ever be counted among those swindling their people.

 

LAST LINE

Dr Ibe Kachikwu should just quit and leave them to take their turn at the NNPC. Few people believe there is a fight against corruption going on in Abuja anymore. Pity. – Independent

 

Dele Sobowale is an economist, a media and management research consultant

 

OPINIONS ON AARE ONAKAKANFO: The Cap Fits Gani Adams.

AARE ONAKAKANFO: The Cap Fits Gani Adams by Ogunwusi Bamidele Segun.

 

Bob Nesta Marley, the legendary reggae king says in one of his popular hits that  "Who the cap fit, let them wear it".

Who is Aare ONAKAKANFO?

In ancient times, it was a position that symbolized the might of Oyo Empire. The Aare Onakakanfo was the generalissimo of the Yoruba army. He either conquered or died. The kakanfo must never be defeated. To everybody’s shock, the mystique and tragedy have refused to depart from that office even in modern times.

Samuel Johnson, the foremost authority on Yoruba history described the Kakanfo as fearless and courageous; irascible and prone to warfare. 

To buttress his position, Johnson submitted a most effective piece of evidence: Kakanfo Ojo Aburumaku had no war to fight. He fomented a civil war in his native Ogbomoso which he then had a good sport of putting down with severity. Afterall, he was Aare Onakakanfo, the Supreme head of the Esos, the 70 military commanders who make the Yoruba warrior caste.

Search for Gani

In the last 19 years, many names have dominated  discussions as possible Aare ONAKAKANFO of Yorubaland.

From Alani Akinrinade to Olusegun Obasanjo, from Victor Omololu Olunloyo to Gen Aduwo and from  Faseheun to Bola Tinubu.

Thank God Gani is not a moneybag because if he is, many people would have argued he bought the title. 

Looking at antecedents, I am  convinced he deserves it more than the last two occupants who were politicians.

Oba Adeniran Alabi, Oba Adeyemi 11 gave the title to Ladoke Akintola to spite Awolowo and he got  deposed for that singular act. Akintola was Aare between 1962 and 1966.

The last occupant, MKO Abiola got the title not because of his contribution to Yorubaland but was meant to boost his CV for Presidency. 

For me, the last  true warrior of the title was Aare Latoosa who later became Olubadan between 1914 to 1925.

For 37 years the title was vacant before it was given to Akintola.

It was vacant again for 22 years before MKO Abiola emerged and 19 years later, the title which has gone to notable warlords from Ajase, Ijaiye, Ibadan, Ogbomoso has berthed in the remote town of Arigidi Akoko to a man who is older in intelligence, experience and maturity than his 47 years.

Congratulations, Aare Gani Adams

Segun Bamidele Ogunwusi a Financial Journalist for Independent Newspapers writes from Lagos.

HOW OTUNBA GANI ADAM EMERGED AS THE 15TH AARE ONA KAKANFO OF YORUBALAND

- By Adejare Ibrahim. 

Few months ago, we were with the Alaafin of Oyo in the palace. We were about five in his private office (Prince Adeyemi Akeem, Prince Adeleke Adeyemi, Otunba Ajeje Rasaki and I). He was taking us through some lessons on Yoruba history. In the cause of our discussion, the issue of the Aare Ona Kakanfo was raised by Prince Adeleke. Kabiyesi, in his response said: 

"Yorubas are blessed with many illustrious sons; who are capable of being saddled with the exalted; but taxing, position of Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland. Due to one reason or the other, some are avoiding it".

Based on his pedigree and influence across all divides in Nigeria; especially in Yorubaland, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was approached, but he declined the sumptuous offer. He forbore, not borne out of fear, but as a result of the attending heavy tasks required of the office, which he may not have the luxury of time to expeditiously perform. He said "Asiwaju Tinubu has been penned down for another title, the Asiwaju of Yorubaland". This will be done in collaboration with other prominent monarchs in Yorubaland.

Furthermore, he said, "Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is equally capable and eminently qualified, but age is no more on his side. I would have loved him being the Aare Ona Kakanfo. Obasanjo is brave and fearless". Fayose and some other prominent Yorubas were also mentioned. The Alaafin then assured that: Though, it is the prerogative of the Alaafin to appoint anyone deemed fit for the title, but further consultations will be made. By these assertions of Kabiyesi, it became emphatic and expedient that the two gladiators, Tinubu and Obasanjo, are out of the race. 

After all, it is not that there are no other people of high profile besieging the palace of Kabiyesi, jostling for the burdensome title. However, the title of Aare of Ona Kakanfo is not that ceremonial. It means the Generalissimo of Yorubaland in the real sense of it. The Aare Ona Kakanfo heads the Alaafin's special military force and the entire army of the Yoruba nation. Holding this premium title is arduous, onerous, laborious and demanding. You must think well, before taking such a task. It is no child's play. Therefore, the Aare Ona Kakanfo is the exclusive preserve of the greatest Yoruba tactician.

Otunba Gani Adam is one of the besiegers who intermittently throng the palace of the Alaafin for the title of Aare Ona Kakanfo. I have seen him in the palace on many occasions. Gani Adams may not be liked by all, but give it to him, he is definitely paying his dues. Without mincing words, Otunba is a force to reckon with in Yorubaland. Take it or leave it, this young man has made indelible imprints. As a human being, he is not perfect. He has his shortcomings, deficiencies and inadequacies. Nevertheless, he is eminently qualified and up to the task. He is educated and well-known. His name is not strange to anyone. Mention him anywhere, he is known. Gani Adam is a household name. His OPC and OPU are the strongest forces the Yoruba nation can parade anywhere. He has close relationship and good rapport with all the southwest governors. He is an icon in his own right.

His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, after extensive and exhaustive consultations, has revealed his choice. He has picked Otunba Gani Adam as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, The Field Marshal of all sons and daughters of Oduduwa. This is a carefully made choice. The same Alaafin that installed Chief MKO Abiola is the same the Alaafin that has opted for Gani Adam_ a difference of almost thirty years! 

In spite of the wide acceptance that greeted the choice of Abiola, it was still contested by the Late Amuda Olorunosebi, the Ashipa of Oyo, in the Oyo State High Court by his legal Counsel, Chief M.L. Lagunju. Everybody cannot accept a decision uniformly. We are not the same. It was the brilliant defence of the legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola, in the presence of Justice Aderemi of the Oyo State High on behalf of the defendant, The Alaafin of Oyo, that later earned him the prestigious title of the 'Aare Bamofin of Oyo Kingdom'. The suit was struck out for lack of substance. Alaafin was vindicated in the verdict of Justice Aderemi. Chief MKO Abiola was installed as the 14th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland on Saturday, 14th of January, 1988. I was quite young at that time, but I was there. 

 

 List of All the 15 Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland


*Mogaji #Gboyega_Adejumo*
submitted that:
After Alaafin Shango had initially divided Yorubaland into Ekun Otun and Ekun Osi under the headship of Gbonka and Timi, about a thousand years ago, then came Alaafin Ajagbo mogun'leti Ale elemele, 700 hundred years ago who further divided the realm into Four, adding Ekun Ebolo and Ekun Epo, and made The Aare Ona Kakanfo to be the Head, with 3 provisos;
1, THAT NO KAKANFO MUST LIVE IN OYO!
2, THAT NO AARE MUST ATTACK HIS OWN MOTHER'S HOMETOWN OF IWERE-ILE!
3, THAT NO AARE MUST ATTACK ILE-IFE!

Here's the *List of All the 15 Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland* to Date and where they hailed from.
1. *Kokoro Gangan of Iwoye Ketu Benin Republic/Ogun State*
2. *Oyapote of Iwoye Yewa Egbado Ogun state*
3. *Oyabi of Ajase Benin Republic*
4. *Adeta of Jabata Oyo State*
5. *Oku of Gbongan Osun State*
6. *Afonja of Ilorin Kwara state*
7. *Toyeje of Ogbomosho Oyo State*
8. *Edun of Gbogun, Obafemi Owode Ogun State*
9. *Amepo of Abemo Ido Oyo state*
10. *Kurumi of Ijaye Oyo State*
11. *Ojo Aburumaku of Ogbomosho Oyo State*
12. *Latoosa of Ibadan Oyo State*
13. *Ladoke Akintola of Ogbomosho Oyo State*
14. *MKO Abiola of Abeokuta Ogun State*
15. *Gani Adams of Akoko Ondo State*

Like

Comment

Share

 

 

Nollywood Actress Eniola Ajao Unveiled As PaddyPaddyBet Brand Ambassador!

 

Eniola Ajao Unveiled As PaddyPaddyBet Brand Ambassador

PaddyPaddyBet Makes Eniola Ajao Brand Ambassador


In a glamourous accolade witnessed by celebrities on Saturday at Bestwestown hotel, Victoria Island , Lagos, Nollywood actress and movie producer, Eniola Ajao recorded another feat, as she has been officially unveiled as the new face of a thriving fortune company. The actress has been made the ambassador by the fast-rising betting company, PaddyPaddyBet. This is in recognition of her growing fame and popularity and her widely-reached fan base.

With this brand ambassadorship, the beautiful actress is expected to help grow the company and attract more customers among other functions.
 

According to the General Manager of PaddyPaddyBet, Alexander Ezekiel, the deal will see the actress as the face of the brand for the next 5 years with an option to renew the contract after it elapsed.
Speaking on this achievement, Eniola who has featured in several movie productions said she is excited about being made PaddyPaddyBet first brand ambassador and will utilize her fame and social media platforms to promote the betting platform among her teaming fans.

"I am really excited about being made the image of PaddyPaddyBet brand. It is my best endorsement at the moment. I have a huge respect for the owner of the company and the management. I will utilize my wider reach on social media to bring attention and growth to the company. I know betting companies are the rave of the moment due to the huge football followership in Nigeria. And also they are creating jobs and impacting lives in their own way. I will deploy my links and social media platform to market the brand.’’ 

Asked whether she's a football lover, the actress answered in the affirmative.
 "Of course, I love football. I support Manchester United Football Club of England. I just love the club and the historic profile of the club," she added.

+2

LikeShow more reactions

BREAKING: VP Osinbajo Finally Breaks Silence On N640bn NNPC Contracts

    

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says he approved contracts of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) when President Muhammadu Buhari was on medical vacation in the UK.

Ibe Kachikwu, minister of state for petroleum resources, had accused Maikanti Baru, group managing director (GMD) of the NNPC, of awarding contracts without due process, an allegation that the corporation denied.

But in a series of tweets on Thursday, Laolu Akande, spokesman of the vice-president, said Osinbajo approved the contracts as part of necessary actions to deal with a backlog of unpaid cash calls and incentivise investments.

“In response to media inquiries on NNPC joint venture financing, VP Osinbajo, as Ag President approved recommendations after due diligence & adherence to established procedure. Action necessary to deal with huge backlog of unpaid cash calls which Buhari adm. inherited and also to incentivize much needed fresh investments in the oil & gas sector,” he tweeted.

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

PRESS RELEASE

NNPC: AG. PRESIDENTIAL APPROVALS WERE FOR FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS NOT CONTRACTS SAYS VP OSINBAJO

"Approached by reporters after the groundbreaking of the multi-billion Naira historic Bonny-Bodo road project, in Bonny, Rivers State, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, explained specifically that the approvals he granted as Acting President to the NNPC while he was Acting President were for financing arrangements for the Joint Ventures between the corporation and IOCs, and not approvals for contracts.

Said he : "these were financing loans. Of course you know what the Joint Ventures  are, with the lOCs, like Chevron, that had to procure. In some cases, NNPC and their joint venture partners have to secure loans and they need authorisation to secure those loans while the President was away. The law actually provides for those authorisations. So I did grant two of them and those were presidential  approvals but they are specifically for  financing joint ventures and they are loans not contracts.

Earlier today, I had tweeted on the same matter thus:

In response to media inquiries on the NNPC Joint Venture financing arrangements, VP Osinbajo, as Acting President approved the recommendations after due diligence and adherence to established procedures. This was of course necessary to deal with huge backlog of unpaid cash calls which the Buhari administration inherited, and to incentivize much needed fresh investments in the oil and gas sector."

ACTING PRESIDENT OSINBAJO CHAIRS PEBEC 0A&B. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo during the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council at the Presidential Villa. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. MAY 18 2017

Journalist Suspended For Making Political Statements On Social Media

 

ESPN has suspended anchor-person Jemele Hill for 14 days for making political statements against U.S. President Donald Trump, on social media.

Hill, an African-American co-host of the 6 p.m. broadcast of “SportsCenter,” received backlash last month after referring to Trump as a “white supremacist” in a series of tweets that referenced the president’s comments about a deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Trump later suggested that NFL players be fired for not standing during the national anthem. In tweets on Sunday, Hill targeted Jerry Jones after the Dallas Cowboys owner stated that players who disrespect the flag would not play for his team.

Hill suggested on Twitter that fans who disagree with Jones should boycott the team’s advertisers and not buy the team’s merchandise.

“Cowboys have a huge national following,” she wrote in one of a series of tweets. “Lot of black & brown folks are Cowboys fans. What if they turned their backs on them?”

She clarified Monday she was not calling for an NFL boycott.

ESPN said in a statement Monday that Hill had acknowledged “letting her colleagues and company down” with the Trump tweet.

“In the aftermath, all employees were reminded of how individual tweets may reflect negatively on ESPN and that such actions would have consequences. Hence this decision,” the statement said.

Hill had called the president “a white supremacist who has largely surrounded himself w/ other white supremacists.”

She wrote that he was “the most ignorant, offensive president of my lifetime.” She called him a bigot and said it was the height of white privilege to ignore his white supremacy because it wasn’t a threat.

“Well, it’s a threat to me,” she typed.

Hill did not immediately reply to a request for comment on her suspension.

Before she was suspended, Hill responded Sunday to a Twitter follower who suggested that NFL players would learn a lesson about “getting fired for not doing what your boss requires you to do.”

“Because if we did everything the boss said, Americans would still be dying of tuberculosis in factories,” she replied.

Source: ABC NEWS

PaddyPaddyBet finally lands in Ibadan, employs 500

Another upscale betting game company has just sprung up in the ancient city of Ibadan.

Named Paddypaddybet, the firm has already 20 major outlets sprang up in the capital city of Oyo State.  

The sport betting game is gathering momentum and many are now moving into the business however Paddypaddybet’s incursion into the business is about adding value to the economic growth of Nigeria, without ripping the hard-earned money.

With the 20 outlets that opened up, Padddypaddybet outfit has extended its invest-in-people policy by generating employment opportunities for over 500 youths in and around the largest city in West Africa, Ibadan.

According to interim General Manager of Padddypaddybet, Mr. Alexander Ezekiel, ‘People are so much in love with football in this part of the world. Like in the USA, we know they like soccer and basketball. We have twenty-two sports on our live betting platform and we also have the virtual bet. In the virtual bet, we have horse-racing, etc. We also give instant rewards to stakers who win.

"Our strategy is a key to company development. We are developing the on-line and the retail network. We believe it is not everybody that has the basic computer knowledge, so we created the retail outlet for people to play. As it stands now, Paddypaddybet will soon be taking the shine off other stakeholders in the industry, as it is very set to unveil many packages in its progamme of re-defining the betting industry."

Paddypaddybet.com can be played online  and retail outlets.

By Kunle Awosika

Paddypaddybet.com finally berths in Ibadan, employs 500

Another upscale betting game company has just sprung up in the ancient city of Ibadan.

Named Paddypaddybet, the firm has already 20 major outlets sprang up in the capital city of Oyo State.

The sport betting game is gathering momentum and many are now moving into the business however Paddypaddybet’s incursion into the business is about adding value to the economic growth of Nigeria, without ripping the hard-earned money.

With the 20 outlets that opened up, Padddypaddybet outfit has extended its invest-in-people policy by generating employment opportunities for over 500 youths in and around the largest city in West Africa, Ibadan.

According to interim General Manager of Padddypaddybet, Mr. Alexander Ezekiel, ‘People are so much in love with football in this part of the world. Like in the USA, we know they like soccer and basketball. We have twenty-two sports on our live betting platform and we also have the virtual bet. In the virtual bet, we have horse-racing, etc. We also give instant rewards to stakers who win.

"Our strategy is a key to company development. We are developing the on-line and the retail network. We believe it is not everybody that has the basic computer knowledge, so we created the retail outlet for people to play. As it stands now, Paddypaddybet will soon be taking the shine off other stakeholders in the industry, as it is very set to unveil many packages in its progamme of re-defining the betting industry."

Paddypaddybet.com can be played both online  and retail outlets.

Breaking: Finally Buhari Breaks Silence On Feud Between Oil Minister, Kachikwu And NNPC Boss, Baru

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered that the bickering and embar-rassing public spectacle between the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, and the Group Managing Director, GMD, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Maikanti Baru, must stop.

In fact, the President directed that sanity should prevail as he ordered a halt to any further washing of dirty linens in public.

Whereas Buhari met with Kachikwu, the GMD met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday.

Of interest to the President, according to Vanguard Newspaper quoting sources privy to the meetings, held last Friday inside Aso Rock Presidential Villa, are the compelling needs to tackle issues such as attacks on oil and gas facilities, funding of new projects and rehabilitation of refineries as well as implementation of Nigeria’s new petroleum policy in order to guarantee long term survival of the nation’s oil and gas industry.

The policy, a copy of which Vanguard Newspaper obtained at the weekend, articulates a vision for the petroleum industry and sets policy goals, strategies and an implementation plan for the introduction of an appropriate institutional, legal, regulatory and commercial framework to resolve the barriers currently affecting investment in the sector.

It stated: ‘’It is intended that this policy will be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure consistency in Government policy objectives at all times. Once issued and gazetted, any policy position set out herein will bind Government officials unless and until amended or replaced by a formal restatement of policy duly gazetted by the Government”. 

Last week, the country witnessed a strange development as contained in the confidential memo written by Kachikwu to Buhari, complaining about conducts he considered unbecoming of the NNPC GMD.

Whereas the Ministry denied any knowledge of how the memo became a public document, the GMD kept a studied silence over the matter.

Details of the policy the President is more interested in, if and when implemented, industry experts say, would avoid the type of disturbing development in the country’s petroleum sector as was witnessed last week.

Nigeria, England and Spain join the rest qualified in World Cup 2018

With only one ticket to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia up for grabs in each of the five groups, competition in the African qualifying competition could not be tougher. With the penultimate round of fixtures looming, Tunisia, Nigeria and Egypt could all secure their passage to the finals with a game to spare. But only the Super Eagles have qualification entirely in their own hands, with the Tunisians and Egyptians hoping for other results in their respective groups to go their way.

....Super Eagles of Nigeria have become the first African team to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after beating Zambia.

Nigeria have never lost a home World Cup qualifier during the 21st century.

Alex Iwobi repeated his feat of being the thorn in the Zambians' side, once again finding himself on the scoresheet against the Chipolopolo. Having scored in the first Group B game between the sides, he came off the bench in the second half to end Zambian hopes of creating a final day climax on 6 November, instead seeing the Super Eagles book a spot at their sixth finals.

Seen by many as the toughest group of the continent’s five qualifying tables, Nigeria have been dominant, remaining unbeaten throughout and only dropping points thanks to a Cameroonian penalty on the road in Yaounde. The 4-0 win a few days earlier against the reigning African champions was a particular highlight.

With a rich youthful streak through the side, seeing the likes of Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Moses Simon score crucial goals throughout qualifying, there will be something of a fresh feel to the side who have only missed one tournament – Germany 2006 – since their debut in 1994.

Led by the seasoned John Obi Mikel, who made his belated World Cup debut at Brazil 2014, they will hoping to better their Round of 16 exit from three years ago – the furthest stage they have reached, having also done so in their first two appearances......

.

Just In: *Nigeria just made it first African country to qualify for 2018 world cup*

Goal courtesy of Alex Iwobi  upon introduction @2nd half of the game.

Nigeria qualify for world cup with one game to spear! 

Nigeria 1 v 0 Zambia FT

#WorldCup line-up so far:

🇷🇺Russia

🇧🇷Brazil

🇮🇷Iran

🇯🇵Japan

🇲🇽Mexico

🇧🇪Belgium

🇰🇷Korea Rep.

🇸🇦S. Arabia

🇩🇪Germany

🦁England

🇪🇸Spain

🇳🇬Nigeria

Read full *#Analysis* : 

Nigeria made it style with a win from Uyo. 

African places: 5.   Already qualified: 12 including Nigeria latest after England and Spain

 

Follow the details here http://www.nujeurope.org/2017/10/latest-how-5-african-countries-stand-to.html

Nigeria 1 v 0 Zambia FT

Read full *#Analysis* : 

How Nigeria made it in style with a win from Uyo.

 Nigeria are rocking on a sixth World Cup appearance, while Egypt - led by Liverpool's Mohamed Salah - are on course for their first since 1990, but Africa Cup of Nations champions Cameroon are out of the running.  

Follow the details here http://www.nujeurope.org

REMINDER: Only the top team from each group will qualify for Russia 2018 

Group A 

Tunisia are within touching distance of qualification, and need four points from their final two matches to book their first World Cup appearance in 12 years. They will be hoping to take another step towards qualification with an away win at already-eliminated Guinea. Three points may even end up being enough for the Tunisians, should Congo DR fail to win against Libya in Tunisia, where they latter play their 'home' games. And although the Libyans have nothing to play for, were the Congolese to suffer defeat in Monastir, the Carthage Eagles would only need to return from Guinea with a point in order to secure qualification.

Group B 

The 400,000 inhabitants of Uyo are surely taking to the streets in celebration as Nigeria manage to secure qualification with a win over Zambia.  Elsewhere in the group, Cameroon and Algeria have seen their hopes of appearing at a third consecutive World Cup dashed. Both teams will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment with a victory in their dead rubber match in Yaounde.

Group C 

Côte d’Ivoire missed the chance to ensure a stress-free end to the campaign when they succumbed to defeat at home to struggling Gabon in their last match. That result not only made their upcoming fixture in Mali a must-win game for the Elephants, but it allowed the Panthers to hang on to their qualification hopes ahead of their away match in Morocco. With the Ivorians, Moroccans and Gabonese separated by just two points, this is one group that will surely go down to the wire.

Group D 

The decision to replay the fixture between South Africa and Senegal in November has reignited the race for qualification in Group D. Burkina Faso and Cape Verde Islands, both on six points after four matches, currently occupy the top spots and will remain in control with wins over South Africa and Senegal respectively. But should the Lions of Teranga, who have a game in hand, pick up maximum points from their three remaining fixtures, they would follow in the footsteps of their predecessors who starred at Korea/Japan 2002. Their first challenge will be take three points away to the Cape Verdeans, who will be in confident mood following back-to-back victories over South Africa. Bafana Bafana are adrift at the foot of the table, having picked up only one point from three matches.

Group E 

A win over Congo will be enough to send Egypt to Russia, should Uganda fail to beat Ghana the following day. For the Black Stars, who have appeared at the last three World Cups, qualification is no longer in their own hands. Even if they claim a victory away to the high-flying Cranes, the Ghanaians will have to rely on Egypt slipping up at home to a Congo side that has nothing left to play for. At this stage, it is hard to imagine the Pharaohs passing up the opportunity to return to the world’s biggest stage following a 28-year absence.

Written by Autty

Who needs what to qualify for 2018 World Cup in Russia?

 By Frank Keogh

England are there - and so are holders Germany - but a World Cup place for the other home nations hangs in the balance before the final group qualifying matches.

Wales can still win their group, Northern Ireland are guaranteed a top-two finish, and Scotland have the chance to finish second in their group, which may well seal a place in the play-offs for Russia 2018.

But coming second and staying in contention are not necessarily the same thing. More on that later.

Meanwhile, three-time runners up the Netherlands face a battle to go through, Argentina are in trouble and Syria are in a play-off to keep their unlikely World Cup dream alive.

Here, we analyse the scenarios to establish who needs what as qualifying reaches its climax. Bear with us - it's complicated, but worth it.

Who has qualified?

The tournament will consist of 32 teams, with hosts Russia joined by 31 qualifiers from around the globe.

The holders no longer qualify automatically, but Germany have progressed as group winners.

Nine other sides are guaranteed to be there: Brazil, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain and England.

In Europe, the side that top each of the nine groups reaches the finals, while the best eight of nine runners-up go into November's play-offs.

What about UK's home nations?

Northern Ireland

Group C - Sunday: Norway (a) 19:45 (all times BST)

Despite two defeats against Germany, second-placed Northern Ireland have more points than some group leaders.

Seven clear of Czech Republic in third, they are guaranteed a top-two place as they look to reach their first World Cup since 1986.

A play-off place looks likely and will be sealed by a draw in Norway, or other results going their way.

Wales

Monday: Republic of Ireland (h) 19:45

"Don't take me home, please don't take me home," sang the fans as Wales marched to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

Now they want to cheer them in a second World Cup, with their only previous finals appearance coming in 1958.

On Friday, Wales won in Georgia, but the Republic of Ireland also picked up three points to set up a huge meeting on Monday between the sides.

The winners in Cardiff will finish at least second, with a draw enough for Wales.

Leaders Serbia lost on Friday night to a last-minute Austria goal, meaning either Wales or the Republic could earn automatic qualification if Serbia slip up. It's all up for grabs.

Serbia host Georgia on Monday and require a win to be certain of reaching their second finals.

England

Group F - Sunday: Lithuania (a) 17:00

Unbeaten England, with seven wins and two draws, qualified automatically despite a lacklustre 1-0 victory over Slovenia on Thursday.

Manager Gareth Southgate will be hoping his side complete an unbeaten campaign when they travel to Lithuania in their final qualifying match.

Scotland

Group F - Sunday: Slovenia (a) 17:00

With only four points from their first four matches, few were rushing to back Scotland to reach Russia.

But victory over Slovenia, a draw with England and wins against Lithuania and Malta put them back in the hunt for a first World Cup appearance since 1998.

Scotland's destiny is now in their own hands after a late winner against Slovakia on Thursday lifted them into second in the group. Victory in Slovenia on Sunday could clinch a play-off spot, depending on other results.

The play-off puzzle

There's no easy way of explaining this, but here goes...

Eight of the nine European runners-up go into a two-legged play off for four places at next year's finals. That means the runner-up with the fewest points misses out. That unfortunate position is currently occupied by Bosnia-Herzegovina, although plenty can change over the coming days.

It is important to note that results against the bottom side in each group do not count in the final play-off standings.

The ranking of second-placed teams in the qualifying groups is determined by the highest number of points. If teams are equal on points, positions are decided by goal difference, goals scored, goals scored away from home and fair play points.

Fifa says teams will be seeded for the draw on 17 October, with the top four sides according to its rankings at the time in one pot and the remaining four in another.

The teams currently in second place are Portugal (third in rankings), Wales (13), Italy (17), Croatia (18), Northern Ireland (20), Sweden (23), Denmark (26), Bosnia-Herzegovina (36) and Scotland (43).

While there are clearly plenty of permutations, Northern Ireland and/or Wales could be seeded, meaning a play-off against Scotland or the Republic of Ireland is a possibility.

Wales or Scotland could join Northern Ireland in securing second place but each of those teams could still potentially be out of luck, as they can all still finish ninth in this table.

Rest of Europe - could the Netherlands miss out?

Europe's places: 14 including hosts Russia. 

Already qualified: Belgium, Russia, Germany, England, Spain

They may be three-times World Cup runners-up but the Netherlands are in a scrap to reach next year's tournament.

The Dutch are in third place in Group A, behind France and Sweden, and will be out if they fail to at least match Sweden's result on Saturday.

Sweden host Luxembourg before travelling to the Netherlands, who first visit Belarus, in a potential decider on Tuesday.

Surprise Euro 2016 quarter-finalists Iceland, the smallest nation to qualify for a major tournament when they reached Euro 2016, are in pole position to win Group I after a fine win in Turkey on Friday night.

Portugal, while sure of at least making the play-offs, face a critical final match at home to Group B leaders Switzerland on Tuesday as they aim to make up a three-point deficit.

Road to Russia: The key dates

17 October: Europe play-off draw (Zurich)

9-11 November: Play-off first legs

12-14 November: Play-off second legs

1 December: Groups are drawn

14 June - 15 July 2018: World Cup

Asia - The Syria story

Asian places: 4 (plus a play-off place). 

Already qualified: Iran, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia

Now this is some tale.

Syria remain in contention for the World Cup despite the odds being stacked against a nation that is in the middle of a six-year war.

The team have no funding because of sanctions and play their home games in Malaysia, a 9,000-mile round trip.

But they made it through to a play-off against Australia, with Omar Al Somah's late penalty earning them a 1-1 first-leg draw on Thursday.

The return leg takes place in Sydney on Tuesday, 10 October (kick-off 10:00 BST).

The winner will face a Concacaf (North and Central America and the Caribbean) side in another two-legged tie the following month for a place at the World Cup.

South America - Argentina in trouble

South America places: 4 (plus a play-off place). 

Already qualified: Brazil

Wednesday 00:30: Ecuador v Argentina, Brazil v Chile, Peru v Colombia, Uruguay v Bolivia, Paraguay v Venezuela

It seems almost inconceivable that Lionel Messi will not be at football's biggest tournament, but his Argentina side are in serious danger of missing out.

The two-time champions, who have not missed the World Cup since 1970, are out of the group qualifying spots after a 0-0 draw with Peru on Thursday.

Only the top four in South American qualifying are guaranteed a place in Russia, and Argentina are sixth with one game left.

Argentina must win their final qualifier in Ecuador to claim at least fifth spot, which sets up a two-leg play-off against New Zealand.

Beaten finalists at the 2014 World Cup, Argentina are level on both points (25) and goal difference (+1) with fifth-placed Peru, who are ahead on goals scored.

So tight is the group that four points separate Uruguay in second (28) and Paraguay (24) in seventh and a win for Argentina could see them qualify automatically.

However, they have drawn their past three qualifiers and their recent record in Ecuadorian capital Quito, which is 2,900m above sea level, is poor, losing two out of their past three and drawing the other. Ecuador have lost their previous five qualifying games.

Peru are hosting fourth-placed Colombia and should they draw, Argentina would be eliminated if they did not win.

Chile, who are third, go to already-qualified Brazil, while Uruguay, who are all-but assured of their place in Russia because of their vastly superior goal difference, need just a draw at home to already-eliminated Bolivia to guarantee qualification.

Concacaf - Who will join Mexico?

North America, Central America and Caribbean places: 3 (plus a play-off place). 

Already qualified: Mexico.

Mexico will compete at their seventh straight World Cup next summer, with Costa Rica on the verge of direct qualification from the Concacaf section.

But a third automatic berth is still up for grabs, while the fourth-placed side can also qualify through the inter-continental play-offs.

On Friday night, USA beat surprise package Panama 4-0 to move into third and within touching distance of automatic qualification.

They travel to bottom of the table Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday knowing victory will seal their spot.

Panama now look destined for a play-off match against either Syria or Australia to land a World Cup place for the first time in their history.

But Honduras, whose match in Costa Rica was put back a day because of adverse weather, also remain in the mix.

Africa - Nigeria on track

African places: 5. 

Already qualified: Nigeria 

Nigeria have made it a worthy campaign  to launch their sixth World Cup appearance, while Egypt - led by Liverpool's Mohamed Salah - are on course for their first since 1990, but Africa Cup of Nations champions Cameroon are out of the running.

Currently there are no play-offs in Africa, with the team that top each of the five qualifying groups going through. Tunisia, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso are the other current group leaders.

Oceania - New Zealand await opponents

Oceania places: One play-off place. 

Already qualified: None

New Zealand beat the Solomon Islands over two legs (as winners of their respective groups) to book their place in the inter-continental play-offs, and will take on the fifth-placed team from South American qualifying in November

#WorldCup line-up so far:

🇷🇺Russia

🇧🇷Brazil

🇮🇷Iran

🇯🇵Japan

🇲🇽Mexico

🇧🇪Belgium

🇰🇷Korea Rep.

🇸🇦S. Arabia

🇩🇪Germany

🦁England

🇪🇸Spain

🇳🇬NigeriaSource: All Football (App) 

An

How accurate is Finance Minister Adeosun’s claim on JAMB? -Premium Times Investigation

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, on September 13 addressed journalists on some of the decisions reached at the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting.


Mrs. Adeosun spoke on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, saying the past heads of the agency will be investigated over poor remittances.
She said the highest annual remittance by JAMB before its new Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, assumed office was N3 million.


“The highest amount that JAMB had ever remitted was N3 million. This year, so far, they have brought N5 billion and the Minister of Education reported that they have additional N3 billion that they want to remit, which will take the figure in this year alone to N8 billion,” Mrs. Adeosun said.
“Now, they have not increased their charges. They have not increased their fees. The question that FEC and council members were asking was where was this money before?”
The decision by the FEC, presided by President Muhammadu Buhari followed the July 17 announcement by JAMB under Mr. Oloyede that it had remitted N5 billion to the federal government.
That remittance was the highest ever by the agency, Fabian Benjamin, its spokesperson said without providing the remittances made in previous years by the body which accepts fees and conducts examinations for applicants seeking admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Mrs. Adeosun’s statement two months later thus appeared to clarify that previous remittances never passed the N3 million mark annually.

But how accurate is that statement?

FACT CHECKING THE MINISTER
PREMIUM TIMES contacted Mrs. Adeosun’s spokesperson, Salisu Dambatta, who insisted his principal’s statement was accurate and that the ministry had records to prove it.
To authenticate the finance minister’s claim and confirm how much JAMB remitted to the federal government since its inception over 40 years ago, the PREMIUM TIMES Centre for Investigative Journalism, PTCIJ, made two separate Freedom Of Information, FOI, requests: one to the Finance Ministry and the other to the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

Despite Mr. Dambatta’s claim, the finance ministry in its reply to the FOI request said it had no details of the remittances by the examination body.
“This ministry is not in possession of the requested information,” C. Gabriel, the Director (Legal Services) wrote on behalf of the finance minister.
In his response, the accountant general provided details of JAMB’s remittances in the past seven years, since 2010.
The record from the accountant general’s office showed that N11,522,808 was remitted by JAMB in 2011, nothing was remitted in 2012, N25,303,274 was remitted in 2013, N13,926,462 was remitted in 2014, while no money was remitted to the federal government in 2015 and 2016 which marked the end of Dibu Ojerinde’s tenure as the Jamb Registrar.

The record also showed that N5.1 billion (5,177,580,297) was remitted by JAMB under Mr. Oloyede in 2017.
The Accountant General’s response was signed by Bakari Wadinga, Director (Revenue & Investment).
Based on official records by the accountant general, JAMB remitted more than N3 million in at least three years, 2011, 2013 and 2013.




Detail on PremiumTimes.

INDEPENDENCE DAY SPEECH BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON OCTOBER 1ST, 2017

BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON OCTOBER 1ST, 2017

My dear Nigerians,

October 1st remains a special date for all Nigerians as this marks the day when we attained one of the most precious of human desires — freedom.

Over the years the country has gone through trials and tribulations, but October 1st is always a day for celebrations.

It is a day for thanks giving, reflection and re-dedication.

It is also a day for remembrance. We should remind ourselves of the recent journey from 1999 – 2015, when our country happily returned to democratic rule.

However, in spite of oil prices being an average of $100 per barrel and about 2.1m barrels a day, that great piece of luck was squandered and the country’s social and physical infrastructure neglected.

We were left with no savings and huge infrastructure deficit.

The APC Government’s Campaign rallying cry to restore security, re-balance the economy and fight corruption was not all rhetoric.

The country must first be secured. The economy must be re-balanced so that we do not depend on oil alone. We must fight corruption which is Nigeria’s Number One Enemy. Our Administration is tackling these tasks in earnest.

In the past two years, Nigeria has recorded appreciable gains in political freedom. A political Party at the Centre losing elections of State Governor, National Assembly seat and even State Assemblies to the opposition parties is new to Nigeria. Added to these are complete freedom to associate, to hold and disseminate opinions. Such developments clearly attest to the country’s growing political development. But like all freedoms, this is open to abuse.

Recent calls on re-structuring, quite proper in a legitimate debate, has let in highly irresponsible groups to call for dismemberment of the country. We can not and we will not allow such advocacy.

As a young Army Officer, I took part from the beginning to the end in our tragic civil war costing about 2m lives, resulting in fearful destruction and untold suffering. Those who are agitating for a re-run were not born by 1967 and have no idea of the horrendous consequences of the civil conflict which we went through.

I am very disappointed that responsible leaders of these communities do not warn their hot-headed youths what the country went through. Those who were there should tell those who were not there, the consequences of such folly.

At all events, proper dialogue and any desired constitutional changes should take place in a rational manner, at the National and State Assemblies. These are the proper and legal fora for National debate, not some lop-sided, un-democratic body with pre-determined set of objectives.

Government is keeping up the momentum of dialogue with stakeholders in the Niger Delta to keep the peace. We intend to address genuine grievances of the communities.

Government is grateful to the responsible leadership of those communities and will pursue lasting peace in the Niger Delta.

SECURITY

On security, Nigerians must be grateful to our gallant Armed Forces for rolling back the frontiers of Boko Haram’s terrorism, defeating them and reducing them to cowardly attacks on soft and vulnerable targets.

Nigeria is grateful to its neighbours and the international community for the collective efforts to defeat this world-wide menace of terrorism.

Not even the most organized and most equipped police and security forces in the world can escape the menace of modern day terrorism, as we have seen in recent years in Europe and other parts of the world.

But we are not letting up. Our Armed Forces in an effort to enhance the operational capability of troops of OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE have established Mobile Strike Teams in the North East. These will ensure the final push to wipe out the remnants of Boko Haram.

In addition, through targeted air strikes most of the leadership and identified logistics bases and routes of the insurgents have been neutralized. The Armed Forces have established a Naval presence in the Lake Chad Basin as part of the coordinated military efforts to curtail the movements or re-emergence of the sect in the area.

Government is working round the clock to ensure release of the remaining Chibok girls, as well as other persons in Boko Haram captivity. Government will continue to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies to fight not only terrorism, but kidnapping, armed robberies, herdsmen/farmers violence and to ensure peace, stability and security in our country.

ECONOMY

With respect to the economy, the Government has remained pro-active in its diversification policy. The Federal Government’s agricultural Anchor Borrowers Programme, which I launched in November 2015, has been an outstanding success with:

·        N43.92 billion released through the CBN and 13 participating institutions,

·        200,000 small holder farmers from 29 states of the federation benefitting,

·        233,000 hectares of farmland cultivating eight commodities, namely Rice, Wheat, Maize, Cotton, soya-beans, Poultry, Cassava and Groundnuts, in addition to fish farming.

These initiatives have been undertaken in close collaboration with the states. I wish to commend the efforts of the Governors of Kebbi, Lagos, Ebonyi and Jigawa States for their support to the rice and fertilizer revolutions.

Equally commendable are contributions of the Governors of Ondo, Edo, Delta, Imo, Cross River, Benue, Ogun, Kaduna and Plateau States for their support for the Presidential initiative for palm oil, rubber, cashew, cassava, potatoes and others crops.

With the abundance of rainfall last year and this year, agriculture has enjoyed Divine intervention.

Since December last year, this Administration has produced over 7 million 50Kg bags of fertilizer. Eleven blending plants with a capacity of 2.1 million metric tons have been reactivated. We have saved $150 million in foreign exchange and N60 billion in subsidy. Fertilizer prices have dropped from N13,000 per 50Kg bag to N5,500.

Furthermore, a new presidential initiative is starting with each state of the Federation creating a minimum of 10,000 jobs for unemployed youths, again with the aid of CBN’s development finance initiatives.

Power remains a huge problem. As of September 12th, production of power reached an all — time high of 7,001 Megawatts. Government is increasing its investment, clearing up the operational and financial log jam bedeviling the industry. We hope to reach 10,000 Megawatts by 2020.

Key priorities include better energy mix through solar and Hydro technologies. I am glad to say that after many years of limbo, Mambilla Power Project has taken off.

Elsewhere in the economy the special window created for manufacturers, investors and exporters, foreign exchange requirements has proved very effective. Since April, about $7 billion has come through this window alone. The main effect of these policies is improved confidence in the economy and better investment sentiments.

The country has recorded 7 consecutive months of lower inflation, Naira rate is beginning to stabilize, appreciating from N525 per $1 in  February this year to N360 today. Broad-based economic growth is leading us out of recession.

Furthermore, in order to stabilize the polity, the Federal Government gave additional support to states in the form of:

·        State Excess Crude Account loans,

·        Budget Support Facility,

·        Stabilization Fund Release

to state and local government as follows:

·        N200 billion in 2015

·        N441 billion in 2016

·        N1 trillion in 2017

Altogether totaling N1.642 trillion.

This was done to enable states to pay outstanding salaries, pensions and small business suppliers who had been all but crippled over the years.

In addition, the Government’s current N500 billion Special Intervention Programme is targeting groups through;

·        Home Grown School Feeding Programme,

·        N-Power Job creation to provide loans to small-scale traders and artisans,

·        Conditional Cash Transfer,

·        Family Homes Fund and

·        Social Housing Scheme.

CORRUPTION

Fellow Nigerians,

We are fully aware that fighting corruption was never going to be a straightforward task. We expected corrupt elements to use any weapon to fight back, mainly judicial obstruction and political diversion. But we are determined to eradicate corruption from our body politic.

In this fight, the Government has:

·        Empowered teams of prosecutors,

·        Assembled detailed databases,

·        Accelerated the recovery of stolen funds.

The Administration’s new institutional reforms include:

·        Enforcing Treasury Single Account,

·        Whistle-Blowers Policy,

·        Integrated Payroll Personnel and Information System.

We have signed multi-lateral cooperation agreements on criminal matters with friendly countries. There are signs of increasing cooperation from the Judiciary. Recently the Chief Justice of the Federation directed Heads of all our Courts of first instance and Appeal to accelerate hearings of corruption cases and dismiss any judicial officers found to have been compromised.

Justice Salami has just been appointed to chair the Judiciary’s anti-graft committee. Government expects a lot from this Committee.

I commend the National Assembly for refocusing on its oversight committees. They should, in addition, ensure swift passage of enabling corruption laws. But fighting corruption is a bottom to top operation. I call on all Nigerians to combat corruption at every turn. By not asking for and refusing to accept a bribe, by reporting unethical practices or by blowing a whistle, together we can beat corruption. The government for its part will work for accountability at all levels - Federal, State and Local Governments. CHANGE will then be real.

As we enter the second half of our term of office, we intend to accelerate progress and intensify our resolve to fix the country’s challenges and problems.

Thank you and a happy holiday to all of you.

God bless our country